Muscle Car Comparisons

Though there were few striking visible differences between the 1993 and 1994 Camaro models, minor changes all around the car proved that Chevy was still perfecting the model. In addition to the electronically controlled automatic transmissions, six-speed manual transmissions received the Computer-Aided Gear Selection (CAGS) that had first appeared on the Corvette. The system, designed to conform to EPA requirements for six-speed cars, locked out second and third gear during low-throttle driving, forcing the driver to go from first to fourth for fuel efficiency. Six-speed manual transmissions came with V8 engines, while V6 engines had five-speed manual transmission.

Additionally, the interior was slightly changed, most notably with graphics and letting on the instrument panel changing from yellow to white. All cars came with black side mirrors, regardless of body color. Z28 models (excluding convertibles and T-Top models) all had black roofs. The V8, standard in Z28s, received Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI).

As it did the year before, Camaro offered two engine options, both of which were new for the fourth-generation models and more powerful than their predecessors. The base engine was a 3.4 litre V6 that produced 160 horsepower. Instead of multiple V8 options that had been offered throughout the third-generation models, only one V8 was available, though it was one of the most powerful engines ever available for the Camaro. The 5.7 litre V8 engine was known as an LT1 that produced 275 horsepower. The LT1 was borrowed from the Corvette and then modified.

Total production was up more than 80,000 cars from the year before to 119,934. This is due at least in part to a drastic reduction in prices this year from the high base prices that accompanied the 1993 models.

Camaro

Having dropped the RS label in 1993, the coupe once again was the base Camaro model, and as per usual it was the best selling Camaro model. There were 76,531 coupes produced during the model year, with an additional 2,328 base convertibles. Prices started at $13,499, which was over $4,000 less than the base price for the previous year. A convertible added $5,246 to the price.

Z28

Earning the “Bang for the Buck” prize it received from Motor Trend, the Z28 provided the sleek lines of the new model and the fast new motor for under $17,000 in 1994. Responding to this, sales were up and 36,008 Z28 were produced. Additionally, 4,932 Z28 convertibles were produced at a price starting at $22,075.

Pony Car Competition

With the introduction of the fourth-generation Mustang in 1994, Camaro one again had a direct competitor in the car, though it had been indirectly competing with it throughout most of the 1980s. While the Mustang had for over nearly two decades presented itself as an optional fuel-economy car (if the four-cylinder engine option was chosen), it was now back to being a full-on pony car. The four-cylinder engine option was dropped and the car grew for its new iteration. For the first year out, Camaro and Mustang had nearly identical production numbers, with the Mustang edging out Camaro by a margin of only about 3,000 cars. However, this would be the only year that the numbers that close, and the Mustang would continue to outsell the Camaro until the fourth-generation Camaro was discontinued in 2002.

Great Car

I have to disagree with limited availability of performance parts. You can look anywhere and get parts for this car and for less the LS1 parts. For very little money you can get this thing killing everything at the track. I don't recommend this car for teens though. When driving spiritedly the car is a bit sketchy and has a tendency to lose he rear end and like someone else said parking is a little of a challenge until you get used to the car.

Bang for a Buck

When you can’t afford a 1st Gen and don’t want to spend all your free time fixing your 3rd Gen, The 4th Gen is the way to go. That’s how I got my 94 Z28. The T-tops are awesome and make the car. The engine has mad power and the first couple of times I drove it I was almost scared to drop the hammer. Just a warning, the rear end will kick out when you stomp on it. The LT1 engine is not the best Chevy as ever put out. Although it has more power (HP and torq, but not much) then the LS, performance parts are limited. Body kits and other bolt on extras also seem to be limited compared to earlier Gens. The top cover of the dash has a tendency to crack, mine is split in two and no one could tell me why. To replace I’m looking at $180 for a cover and $300 for a replacement. But it is unknown if it will split again. The Bose radio and speakers were not so great and were replaced right away. Bottom line or lines is this: you can pick these cars up cheap, There are still a lot out there, and you can get in and let’er ripe.

94 Camaro

The 94 Z28 had some changes over the first year 93. The main one is the soft top. The car still suffers from one cat, and that would change in 95. Still that said, its the cars only techinical down fall. Its fast, fun, and powerful. As to the previous comment. If you never driven one, you shouldn't review. A 3.4L 6 is not a muscle car. True, but the 275 LT1 5.7 is! And how. The car has a diffrent look that you either love or just don't. I find the T-top sexy. The interior I feel is more cramped from the 97-02, but the 93-96 interior isnt bad. Its just not as good, but any Camaro suffers from a cheap interior. The price is right on these, and you can't get factory power for the money. I have a 97 and have test driven 93-97. They are all similar other then the power of the 96-97 and the interior of the 97. This car really is a winner.

One Helluva of a Car

If there is any problems with this car is its enormous power. It makes people abuse the heck out of it. Not that the car is unreliable, they just get abused very badly.

Power: plenty, more than enough.

Comfort: pretty good for a car like this. A little stiff, especially the Z28, but the comfy bucket seats make up for it.

Exterior: Looks strikingly amazing.

Interior: Not as good as the exterior. Too much plastic and cheap stuff. The head unit is a pain in the butt to change. The trunk space is not very big.

Driving: Dudes will find it easier to drive than ladies. Here's why; you have imagine where the nose of the car is. There is no way you can see it...unless you stick your head outta the T-Tops.

Gas consumption: Have it tuned, and it will do OK. Otherwise it will be a guzzler.

Insurance: A tad higher than a 4 door, but not that bad.

Practicality: It's an impractical car, period. The doors are long (which you'll notice when you're trying to get out of the car in a tight parking spot), the car is way too long, the trunk space is limited, the gas consumption is high, insurance is relatively high...whatever you do, don't buy one for your 16 year old kid, unless you wanna teach them a lesson. He or she will simply not have the patience to deal with all the impracticality.

But if you can deal with all these impracticalities, it truly is one helluva car. You won't find any muscle car this good for the price of one of these.